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Guess My Number Game
Objective
To develop awareness of equivalent names for
numbers using a guessing game.
Whole Group
Small Group
Partners
Center
Key Concepts and Skills
• Think about the combinations of digits used to write numbers. [Number and Numeration Goal 3]
• Recognize and find equivalent names for numbers. [Number and Numeration Goal 5]
• Use addition and subtraction clues to develop strategies and fluency. [Operations and Computation Goal 1]
Terms to Use digit
Materials Home Link Master (Math Masters, p. 38); paper or slate; chart paper
A
Links to the
Future
In this activity children are exposed
to the idea that there are multiple
ways to describe the same number.
Finding equivalent names for numbers is a focus in Sections 7 and 8.
Core Activities
► Playing Guess My Number
Write a number on a piece of paper or a slate, but do not let children see the number.
Invite the class to guess the number, based on one or more clues you give. Use different
types of clues, such as those that involve simple addition and subtraction, place value,
or other information. For example:
•
•
•
•
•
•
The number that is 2 less than 5
The number between 7 and 9
NOTE Give lots of +/-1 and
+/ – 0 clues to develop strategies
and fluency for these addition and
subtraction facts. For example:
the number that equals 3 + 1,
the number that equals 4 - 0.
Discuss children’s strategies for
these types of problems.
A number in the teens with a 6 in it
A number with a 2 and a 4 as the digits
Another number with a 2 and a 4 as the digits
The number of legs on a chair
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When someone guesses correctly, show the number and have children read it aloud. Ask:
Are there other clues that could describe this number? Write the number on chart paper
along with the clues children suggest. Invite children to add to the list as they think of
other clues. Repeat the game often, using higher numbers as children are ready. Allow
children to think of numbers and give the clues.
Home Link 5 4
(Math Masters, p. 38)
Children play a number guessing game at home.
► Using Pan Balances (Revisit Activities 3 4 and 3 12, pp. 144 and 164)
NOTE Encourage children to
choose the way you record their
ideas. For example, if a child
suggests “2 more than 5,” ask:
How should I write that? With
words? With numbers and symbols
(5 + 2)? With a picture of 5 fingers
and 2 fingers? Another way?
Informally reinforce the meanings
of the + and - symbols in this
context.
Set out pan balances, clay, and objects for weighing. Add objects over the course of
several days. Encourage children to record their findings with drawings. They can use
the writing and drawing pages in their math books, if desired.
Also remember to use Minute Math during spare moments in the day.
B
Teaching Options
Name
Date
HOME LINK
5 4
䉬
Family
Note
EXTRA PRACTICE
► Playing a Missing Number Game
(Center Activity Cards, 22)
Guess My Number
Children love to play guessing games. Guess My Number is a great way to help your child
solve problems and develop number sense. It is a good game to play in the car, on the bus,
or while waiting in line at the grocery store. To play, give different types of clues that
describe a number and see if your child can guess the correct number. Let your child choose
a number and give you clues, too!
Guess My Number
Use clues to guess the correct number. For example:
Partners arrange a set of number cards in numerical order. One child removes a card
while the other isn’t looking. The second child then looks at the cards to figure out the
missing number. Increase difficulty by using cards with higher numbers.
䉬 What
number is 1 more than 5?
䉬 What
number is between 6 and 8?
䉬 What
number is 1 less than 7?
䉬 What
number is 2 more than 8?
䉬 What
number is in the teens and has a 3 in it?
䉬 What
number tells how
many legs a dog has?
► Creating a Number Tree
Read Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson (Simon & Schuster,
2004). Create a class number tree. Each branch can represent a number (such as 5).
Over time, children can add leaves to the branch with equivalent names for that number
(such as “3 + 2” or “the number before 6”).
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䉬 What
two-digit number
has a 2 on the left and
a 4 on the right?
Can you think of clues for
other numbers?
Copyright © Wright Group/McGraw-Hill
ELL SUPPORT
38
Math Masters, p. 38
Activity 5 4 Guess My Number Game
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